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Centre for Human Developmental Science

The Cardiff University Centre for Human Development Science provides opportunities for research and training in the study of human development.

We carry out research and training in the study of human development from conception to adulthood.

Our research and training is focused on child development and adult health and we take a lifespan approach to the study of human development in social contexts.

We deliver an interdisciplinary research approach that unites a developmental science agenda from psychology with knowledge in education, health and social care, bringing contributions from policy and practice stakeholders across these sectors.

We work closely with intervention scientists and policymakers in Welsh Government and have the capacity to translate rigorous research into effective interventions and policy guidelines that can improve people’s quality of life.

Facilities

We are based in the Cardiff University Centre for Human Development Science (CUCHDS) - a state of the art facility containing specially designed laboratory space for studies of children and adults.

Our facilities include:

  • sensory room
  • observation labs
  • neuroimaging labs (EEG and fNIRS) or (electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy)
  • Neurodevelopment Assessment Unit (NDAU)
  • Waterloo Foundation-funded unit for children referred with developmental issues
  • mobile eye tracking
  • dedicated teaching and research space.

CUCHDS has united already well-established research centres and programmes into one centre for better research collaboration. Key groups and programmes include:

The centre also offers new initiatives in developmental neuroscience and multidisciplinary studies of children’s well-being.

Impact

  • Through our Wales Adoption Cohort Study, we have provided evidence for the design, implementation and evaluation of the Adopting Together Service.
  • Computerised emotion training is now offered to 5-7 year olds who have come through the Neuro-Development Assessment Unit (NDAU) to improve psychosocial functioning in children with emotional and behavioural problems. It also is used in intervention and prevention programmes in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.

Centre Manager

Dr Sarah Gerson

Dr Sarah Gerson

Senior Lecturer

Email
gersons@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0480

Academic staff

Professor Katherine Shelton

Professor Katherine Shelton

Professor

Email
sheltonkh1@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44(0)29 2087 6093
Professor Jacky Boivin

Professor Jacky Boivin

Chair

Email
boivin@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5289
Dr Chiara Gambi

Dr Chiara Gambi

Lecturer

Email
gambic@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2068 8950
Dr Sofia Gameiro

Dr Sofia Gameiro

Reader

Email
gameiros@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5376
Professor Merideth Gattis

Professor Merideth Gattis

Email
gattism@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0034
Professor Dale Hay

Professor Dale Hay

Emerita Professor

Email
haydf@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6503
Andrea Higgins

Andrea Higgins

Lecturer

Email
higginsa2@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 9003
Dr Catherine Jones

Dr Catherine Jones

Reader and Director of Wales Autism Research Centre

Email
jonescr10@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0684
Dr Kate Langley

Dr Kate Langley

Senior Lecturer

Email
langleyk@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6259
Dr Ian Smillie

Dr Ian Smillie

Lecturer

Email
smillie@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5474
Dr Ross Vanderwert

Dr Ross Vanderwert

Senior Lecturer

Email
vanderwertr@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2068 8826
Professor Stephanie van Goozen

Professor Stephanie van Goozen

Professor

Email
vangoozens@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44(0)29 2087 4630
Dr Elisabeth von dem Hagen

Dr Elisabeth von dem Hagen

Senior Lecturer

Email
vondemhagene@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0151
Dr Cerith Waters

Dr Cerith Waters

Senior Lecturer

Email
waterscs@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
029 208 70426
Dr Amy Paine

Dr Amy Paine

Lecturer

Email
paineal@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5766
Study the psychological factors that cause and maintain emotional and behavioural problems in children.